Book reviews, from classic to modern

“13 Reasons Why” — Jay Asher

I thought it would be appropriate to review Jay Asher’s 13 Reasons Why since Selena Gomez has worked with Netflix to create a series based on the novel.

This book was very different from my usual reads. 13 Reasons Why is serious and deep and overall just tragic. It really makes you think about yourself and other people and relationships of any kind.

For those who are unfamiliar with the story, the book is about a tape that Clay Jensen, a high school student, received one day. When he plays it, he hears Hannah’s voice, a classmate who just recently committed suicide. She recorded this tape with the 13 reasons why she killed herself; each track is for a different person and how they in-part caused her to take her own life.

“I’m about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically why my life ended. And if you’re listening to this tape, you’re one of the reasons why.”

I’m not used to reading such tragic books (unless of course it’s Shakespeare), so this was really eye-opening for me. Asher really wants to show people how their actions affect people and how important it is to consider how you’re treating others.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes deep and compelling stories — or even people who don’t. This book has a very important and impactful message that is more relevant than ever: Be good to people.

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2 thoughts on ““13 Reasons Why” — Jay Asher”

I have always wanted to read this book! When it came out when I was younger I remember it being the coolest thing to read even though it was so tragic. I’m super excited for the netflix series to come out.

Oh my goodness, that storyline sounds devastating. The overall message is so powerful and I think in today’s society- especially within teens, it’s such a necessary promotion. I’m glad they’re making a series out of it because I think that will more effectively reach the the teenage audience.